Government bodies

HM Inspectorate of Probation

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation is the government body which inspects the efficiency of the UK probation service in order to ensure that the operation of community sentences is effective. Its website describes the purpose of the body and provides a list of the geographical probation areas which it has inspected recently and forthcoming surveys. It is possible to access the full-text of its inspection reports of specific probation services and reports on themes such as young people and women offenders from 1996 onwards.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons

This site provides access to the full-text of all HMIP reports issued from 1998 onwards. They are arranged alphabetically by name of establishment and include women's prisons and detention centres for juvenile offenders. Each report provides statistics on the number of prison inmates, details on the management of the prison and assessment by the inspectors of such factors as atmosphere, staffing levels and provision for health care and education. Reports often contain criticisms of the prisons and recommendations for future action.

Independent Monitoring Board

Website of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB). The IMB are unpaid members of the public appointed by the British Home Office to monitor conditions inside prisons, remand centres and immigration detention centres. The site provides information on the aims, role and activities of the boards one of which is attached to each prison and immigration centre There are annual reports and other reports on issues such as conditions for asylum seekers at immigration detention removal centres and slopping out.

Claims Management Regulation

This section of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) website explains the work of the department responsible for regulating claims management services: businesses regulated under the Compensation Act 2006, dealing with claims relating to personal injury, criminal injuries, industrial injuries, employment, financial services and housing disrepair. The site has guidance for claims management business on applying for authorisation, information for consumers, a searchable directory of authorised businesses, legislation and other documentation.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Website of the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales. The site outlines the history and role of the Office and provides a profile of the Secretary of State for Wales who represents Wales' interests in the Cabinet and the UK Parliament. There is background information about Wales and press releases back to 1999. Publications of the Office and speeches by the Secretary of State for Wales are available on the site along with a page of related web links. The site can be viewed in English or Welsh.

Justice

The Justice web portal is a government site providing information on the administration and regulation of justice in England and Wales. It provides information about and links to government bodies concerned with the justice system including the Ministry of Justice, the Youth Justice Board and HM Courts and Tribunals Service. The site has a court finder, court hearing lists,
downloadable forms, inspection reports, guidance for the legal profession, policy documents, research, statistics and data.

HM Revenue and Customs

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) was formed in April 2005 following the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise Departments. They are responsible for direct taxes such as income tax and indirect taxes like VAT as well as the payment of some benefits including Child Benefit. Users can access different views of the site depending on whether they are individuals and employees, employers or businesses and corporations, and use a number of online services including self assessment for taxation. Departmental reports, statistics and news are also available.

Home Office

The Home Office is the Government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales. Its website contains details of Home Office ministers, directorates and agencies. It also offers access to information on current government activities and legislation and a large number of full-text official documents, statistics, consultation papers and bills. Key areas covered include immigration and passports, policing, crime, drugs policy and counter-terrorism.

HM Treasury

The HM Treasury website contains the full-text of HM Treasury publications, including press releases, ministers' speeches, economic data / tools, reports on policy issues and details of Treasury running costs. It also contains full details of the Budget, the Pre-Budget Report and the Spending Review, as well as, details of current legislation / consultations. Areas covered by the Treasury include public private partnerships, financial services, public spending, taxation, enterprise and productivity and the UK economy.

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